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Kyphosis
Spinal Hyper-KyphosisMost patients have a mild to moderate form of this condition. Some patients are not even aware of their abnormal curvature, since it produces no pain and little physical change. Many patients simply feel they have bad posture when actually they have an exaggerated thoracic kyphotic curvature. Other patients are aware of the condition due to the unusual profile it often creates in their spinal anatomy. Patients with moderate to severe forms of kyphotic curvature will often show a protrusion of the middle back, forming a large mound or lump. This condition has been referred to by many less than flattering names in past medical literature including Hunchback, Roundback or Humpback.Kyphosis ConditionThe overwhelming majority of patients have minor forms of this condition. Mild to moderate conditions are usually symptom free, although they are often blamed for idiopathic back pain. Kyphotic curves, like many innocent spinal abnormalities, are often the target of blame for unrelated back pain. Most chronic cases of severe back pain are coincidental to any mild abnormal kyphotic curvature. In these cases where pain is present, the true cause is likely to be a combination of psychological back pain and/or diagnostic nocebo effect.Severely exaggerated kyphotic curves are rare, can but be a big problem for the patient. These conditions can be painful and produce many other health concerns. Some advanced kyphotic curves can actually become lethal if allowed to progress. In these cases, treatment is appropriate and advised. Causes of KyphosisThe condition can come from a variety of different causes:* Congenital conditions can make a person prone to developing hyper-kyphotic curves as they grow. * Osteoarthritis can contribute to the condition by changing normal spinal anatomy. * Osteoporosis is a prime contributor to kyphotic development in elderly patients. * Spinal Injury can create a hyper-kyphotic condition. * Spinal Fusion Surgery can create tremendous pressure in the spine influencing vertebral levels surrounding the fusion site. This can create an increased kyphotic curve in the spine. * Poor posture is a contributor to certain forms of kyphotic curvature. Recommendation on KyphosisThe majority of you reading this have nothing to worry about. Most kyphotic curves are harmless, even if they are visually abnormal. Pain and other symptoms are uncommon with mild to moderate forms of kyphotic curvature. If you have severe pain with a mild curve, there is a good chance that your pain has been misdiagnosed. Make sure to consider this possibility before undergoing any drastic treatment for your kyphotic curvature. Patients with severe kyphotic curves might require conservative or invasive treatment. The most common modalities are physical therapy, pain management drugs, bracing and back surgery. Make sure to discuss all the back pain treatment options with your doctor before deciding on a plan of action.
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